Abstract:

Methods, systems, and storage mediums for database management services for
a telecommunications system are provided. A method includes transferring,
via a managed language application, raw data extracted from a legacy
system to a first spreadsheet application macro. The method also includes
merging, via the first spreadsheet application macro, selected portions
of the raw data, and creating a first spreadsheet file that includes the
merged data. The merged data relates each physical and virtual fiber of
the telecommunications system to the merged data. The method further
includes transferring, via the managed language application, the first
spreadsheet file to another spreadsheet application macro, and
generating, via the other spreadsheet application macro, a graphical
drawing comprising a cable ring that includes fiber routes and
telecommunications equipment. The graphical drawing is generated using
the merged data.

Claims:

1. A method for providing database management services for a
telecommunications system, comprising:transferring, via a managed
language application, raw data extracted from a legacy system to a first
spreadsheet application macro;merging, via the first spreadsheet
application macro, selected portions of the raw data, and creating a
first spreadsheet file that includes the merged data, the merged data
relating each physical and virtual fiber of the telecommunications system
to the merged data;transferring, via the managed language application,
the first spreadsheet file to another spreadsheet application macro;
andgenerating, via the other spreadsheet application macro, a graphical
drawing comprising a cable ring that includes fiber routes and
telecommunications equipment, the graphical drawing generated using the
merged data.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the raw data includes a first set of raw
data relating to telecommunications transmission lines.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the raw data includes a second set of
raw data relating to telecommunications equipment data.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the raw data includes a third set of raw
includes data relating to telecommunications wavelength division
multiplexing data;wherein the first, second, and third sets of raw data
are extracted via respective first, second, and third routines of a
network planning application.

6. The method of claim 1, further comprising:transferring, via the managed
language application, a portion of the raw data comprising
telecommunications wavelength division multiplexing data to a second
spreadsheet application macro;creating, via the second spreadsheet
application macro, a second spreadsheet file, the second spreadsheet file
comprising a listing of working and spare channels serviced by an
enterprise, the working and spare channels identified by WDM location,
WDM type, system identification numbers, and state.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the cable ring drawing is represented by
nodes, passthroughs, and cable lines.

8. A system for providing database management services for a
telecommunications system, comprising:a computer processing device; anda
managed language application and a network planning application executing
on the host system, the managed language application and the network
planning application implementing a method, comprising:transferring, via
the managed language application, raw data extracted from a legacy system
to a first spreadsheet application macro;merging, via the first
spreadsheet application macro, selected portions of the raw data, and
creating a first spreadsheet file that includes the merged data, the
merged data relating each physical and virtual fiber of the
telecommunications system to the merged data;transferring, via the
managed language application, the first spreadsheet file to another
spreadsheet application macro; andgenerating, via the other spreadsheet
application macro, a graphical drawing comprising a cable ring that
includes fiber routes and telecommunications equipment, the graphical
drawing generated using the merged data.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the raw data includes a first set of raw
data relating to telecommunications transmission lines.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the raw data includes a second set of
raw data relating to telecommunications equipment data.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein the raw data includes a third set of
raw includes data relating to telecommunications wavelength division
multiplexing data;wherein the first, second, and third sets of raw data
are extracted via respective first, second, and third routines of the
network planning application.

13. The system of claim 8, further comprising:transferring, via the
managed language application, a portion of the raw data comprising
telecommunications wavelength division multiplexing data to a second
spreadsheet application macro;creating, via the second spreadsheet
application macro, a second spreadsheet file, the second spreadsheet file
comprising a listing of working and spare channels serviced by an
enterprise, the working and spare channels identified by WDM location,
WDM type, system identification numbers, and state.

14. A storage medium including machine-readable computer program code for
providing database management services for a telecommunications system,
the storage medium including instructions for causing a computer to
implement a method comprising:providing database management services for
a telecommunications system, comprising:merging selected portions of raw
data extracted from a legacy system, and creating a first spreadsheet
file that includes the merged data, the merged data relating each
physical and virtual fiber of the telecommunications system to the merged
data; andgenerating a graphical drawing comprising a cable ring that
includes fiber routes and telecommunications equipment, the graphical
drawing generated using the merged data.

15. The storage medium of claim 14, wherein the raw data includes a first
set of raw data relating to telecommunications transmission lines.

16. The storage medium of claim 15, wherein the raw data includes a second
set of raw data relating to telecommunications equipment data.

17. The storage medium of claim 16, wherein the raw data includes a third
set of raw includes data relating to telecommunications wavelength
division multiplexing data.

19. The storage medium of claim 14, further comprising instructions for
implementing:creating, a second spreadsheet file from a portion of the
raw data comprising telecommunications wavelength division multiplexing
data, the second spreadsheet file comprising a listing of working and
spare channels serviced by an enterprise, the working and spare channels
identified by WDM location, WDM type, system identification numbers, and
state.

20. The method of claim 14, wherein the cable ring drawing is represented
by nodes, passthroughs, and cable lines.

Description:

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001]This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 10/770,262, filed Feb. 2, 2004, the entire contents of which are
incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002]Embodiments of the invention relate generally to telecommunications
systems, and more particularly, to methods, systems, and storage mediums
for providing database management services for a telecommunications
system.

[0003]Managing fiber and cable networks is generally performed in a
haphazard fashion using legacy system data and reports that are
incompatible with newer software and technology. With large volumes of
data spread across disparate systems, it is difficult if not impossible
to provide efficient analysis of fiber and cable networking systems,
equipment, and related operations. Much of the reporting and analyses are
performed manually. As new technology continues to bring forth a wealth
of advancements in communications networks and equipment,
telecommunications service providers will require updated models for
handling data relating to existing and future transport facilities and
services in order to keep pace with these changes. Clearly, using
existing manual processes for analyzing networking data and providing
network services is not an optimum solution.

[0004]What is needed, therefore, is a way to integrate data from legacy
systems for providing efficient handling of networking data that enables
analysis and reporting.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005]Embodiments relate to methods, systems, and storage mediums for
providing database management services for a telecommunications system. A
method includes transferring, via a managed language application, raw
data extracted from a legacy system to a first spreadsheet application
macro. The method also includes merging, via the first spreadsheet
application macro, selected portions of the raw data, and creating a
first spreadsheet file that includes the merged data. The merged data
relates each physical and virtual fiber of the telecommunications system
to the merged data. The method further includes transferring, via the
managed language application, the first spreadsheet file to another
spreadsheet application macro, and generating, via the other spreadsheet
application macro, a graphical drawing comprising a cable ring that
includes fiber routes and telecommunications equipment. The graphical
drawing is generated using the merged data.

[0006]A system includes a computer processing device and a managed
language application and a network planning application executing on the
computer processing device. The managed language application and the
network planning application implement a method. The method includes
transferring, via the managed language application, raw data extracted
from a legacy system to a first spreadsheet application macro. The method
also includes merging, via the first spreadsheet application macro,
selected portions of the raw data, and creating a first spreadsheet file
that includes the merged data. The merged data relates each physical and
virtual fiber of the telecommunications system to the merged data. The
method further includes transferring, via the managed language
application, the first spreadsheet file to another spreadsheet
application macro, and generating, via the other spreadsheet application
macro, a graphical drawing comprising a cable ring that includes fiber
routes and telecommunications equipment. The graphical drawing is
generated using the merged data.

[0007]Other systems, methods, and/or computer program products according
to embodiments will be or become apparent to one with skill in the art
upon review of the following drawings and detailed description. It is
intended that all such additional systems, methods, and/or computer
program products be included within this description, be within the scope
of the present invention, and be protected by the accompanying claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008]Referring now to the drawings wherein like elements are numbered
alike in the several FIGURES:

[0009]FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system upon which the database
management system is implemented in exemplary embodiments of the
invention;

[0010]FIG. 2 is a flowchart describing the process of implementing the
database management system in exemplary embodiments of the invention;

[0011]FIG. 3 is a sample district table that is used as an input file to
the M_GETCAB macro of the database management system in exemplary
embodiments of the invention;

[0012]FIG. 4 is a sample WDMTABLE intermediate file derived from the
execution of the M_GETCAB macro of the database management system and is
used to create DETCAB files as well as WDM Summaries in exemplary
embodiments of the invention;

[0013]FIG. 5 is a sample SCIDTBL intermediate file derived from the
execution of the M_GETCAB macro of the database management system and is
used to create DETCAB files in exemplary embodiments of the invention;

[0014]FIG. 6 is a sample WDMSUMMARY output file derived from the execution
of the M_FORMATWDM macro of the database management system in exemplary
embodiments of the invention;

[0015]FIG. 7 is a sample THRESHOLD FIBER COMPARISON report produced by the
database management system in exemplary embodiments of the invention;

[0016]FIG. 8 is a sample state DETCAB worksheet derived from the execution
of the M_GETCAB macro of the managed language application in exemplary
embodiments of the invention;

[0017]FIG. 9 is a sample state CABLE CROSS SECTION TOTAL worksheet derived
from the execution of the M_GETCAB macro of the managed language
application in exemplary embodiments of the invention;

[0018]FIG. 10 is a sample state SUMMARY worksheet derived from the
execution of the M_GETCAB macro of the managed language application in
exemplary embodiments of the invention;

[0019]FIG. 11 is a sample cable drawing derived from the execution of the
M_CBLDRAWING macro of the database management system using information
obtained from a DETCAB worksheet in exemplary embodiments of the
invention;

[0020]FIG. 12 is a sample SPARE FIBERS report produced by the database
management system in exemplary embodiments of the invention; and

[0021]FIG. 13 is a sample SONET SYSTEMS report produced by the database
management system in exemplary embodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022]The database management system of the invention provides a means to
evaluate fiber, wavelength division multiplexing (WDM), and dense
wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) networks for determining cost
efficient ways for building and maintaining a network. The database
management system is flexible enough to be used by cable network
enterprises in addition to fiber network enterprises. The data acquired
by implementing the database management system of the invention may be
used by a variety of entities that are involved with telecommunication
enterprises, such as engineers, marketing, portfolio management, product
management, and finance groups. Database elements are structured for
quick analysis and macros utilized by the database management system
merge, query, and provide reporting capabilities using the data.

[0023]The database management system is executed via a system such as that
depicted in FIG. 1. FIG. 1 includes a host system 102 comprising a server
104, an inter-office facilities (IOF) data repository 105, a data
repository 106, and a computer client 108 in communication with one
another via a network 110. Server 104 may comprise a high-powered
multiprocessor computer device including web server and applications
server software for receiving requests from computer client 108 to run
programs, access databases, and generate reports as described further
herein.

[0024]Server 104 executes a networking application 112. Networking
application 112 comprises a telecommunications software product for
facilitating network provisioning for equipment such as carrier circuits
and message trunks. Networking application 112 may also provide inventory
management of networking facilities and equipment and supports a variety
of transmissions technologies serviced by the enterprise of host system
102. Networking application 112 may comprise a proprietary application or
may be a commercial application such as TIRKS® by Telcordia®
Technologies, Inc. of Piscataway, N.J. Server 104 further executes
networking planning software 114 that assists host system 102 employees
in planning, monitoring, and reporting on network facilities and
equipment. Network planning software 114 may be a proprietary application
or may comprise a commercial product such as Telcordia® FEPS Planning
Workstation (PWS) programs. Network planning software 114 includes a
routine (e.g., X02GETCABLE routine 120) for extracting data relating to
telecommunications transmission lines from legacy files 130, a routine
(e.g., X02SCIDSYS routine 122) for extracting data relating to
telecommunications equipment from legacy files 130, and a routine (e.g.,
X02WDMTABLE routine 124) for extracting wavelength division multiplexor
equipment (WDM) data from a legacy WDM table. The data is extracted from
legacy reports produced by network planning software 114 as described
further herein.

[0025]Server 104 also executes a keystroke emulator application 116 that
allows a user to further drill down the raw data produced a result of
executing X02GETCABLE routine 120. Keystroke emulator application 116
maybe a proprietary tool or may comprise a commercial application such as
TaskMate®. In addition, a managed language program 117, such as
Microsoft Visual Basic® or C++ is executing on server 104. Managed
language program 117 includes a spreadsheet component, such as
Microsoft® Excel®, to produce and execute macros M_GETCAB 126,
M_FORMATWDM 128, and M_CBLDRAWING 129 as described further herein.

[0027]Data repository 106 stores information produced by database
management system 102 such as intermediate files 136, DETCAB files 138,
and summaries/reports 140. These and other documents are described
further herein. Data repository 106 further stores district tables 132. A
portion of a sample DISTRICT table is shown generally in FIG. 3. The
table of FIG. 3 provides information for a telecommunications district
such as geographic coding information, fiber location data, and detailed
district locations. Data repository 106 is preferably utilizing a
relational database configuration such as Microsoft Access® for
allowing data stored therein to be organized and manipulated on various
levels.

[0028]Data repositories 105 and 106 may each comprise a standalone storage
device or may, along with server 104, comprise a single unit such as a
mainframe computer.

[0030]Computer client 108 is used by host system employees to execute the
database management system processes described herein. Computer client
108 requests execution of applications via server 104 and generates
reports. Computer client 108 maybe a general-purpose computer such as a
desktop, laptop, or similar device.

[0031]Network 110 may comprise a local area network (LAN) or other
suitable network system for facilitating communication between server
104, data repositories 105 and 106, and computer client 108.

[0032]Data produced from various disparate network systems and software
are merged together by database management system 102 and structured in a
way that allows for analyses and reporting activities to be performed as
will now be described in FIG. 2. A user on computer client 108 executes
network planning application 114 routine X02GETCABLE 120 for a selected
state at 202. This step extracts raw data from legacy tables 130 in IOF
data repository 105 (e.g., HICAP/SPAN tables). HICAP refers to
high-capacity cable lines such as leased lines for long distance carrier
enterprises. The type of raw data extracted from legacy tables 130
includes cable data relating to fiber cables/transmission lines serviced
by the enterprise executing the database management system 102. The raw
data output of this execution is then fed to keystroke emulator 116 at
204. Keystroke emulator 116 comprises an extraction routine that performs
extractions on the raw data, enabling the user to further drill down the
raw data at 206.

[0033]The user then executes network planning program 114 X02SCIDSYS
routine 122 at 208. This step extracts raw data from legacy
tables/reports 130 in IOF data repository 105. The type of raw data
extracted from X02SCIDSYS routine 122 includes information relating to
the telecommunications equipment serviced by the enterprise system such
as SONET equipment used to handle trunking.

[0034]The user then executes network planning program 114 X02WDMTABLE
routine 124 at 210. This step extracts raw data from legacy
tables/reports 130 in IOF data repository 105 that pertains to WDM
equipment. Routine 124 may be run for one state or for an entire region.
The type of raw data produced by this step includes WDM information such
as WDM identifier, WDM type, CLLI codes, and WDM A and Z locations.
Examples of WDM types include "OMO2" referring to a 2-channel WDM, and
"OM12" and "OM13" referring to 12 and 13 channel WDM systems to name a
few.

[0035]The raw data extracted at steps 206, 208, and 210 are imported to
managed language application macro, M_GETCAB at 212. The raw data
extracted is linked by the M_GETCAB macro by relating each channel of WDM
raw data with corresponding SCID data. When an OM* carrier (e.g., WDM
system) is detected in the fiber data (i.e., raw data resulting from step
206), a lookup is used from the WDM data to insert a row into a DETCAB
worksheet for each working WDM channel. DETCAB worksheets are described
further herein. This linking of WDM raw data to SCID data provides a
database that enables an analyst to view paths of SCIDs in a single step.

[0036]Optionally, district tables 132 from IOF data repository 106 for the
selected state may be accessed by the M_GETCAB macro for further
filtering the raw data by district at step 214. A portion of a sample
district table is shown generally in FIG. 3. District tables are provided
to map districts to CLLIs.

[0037]At 216, a user runs the M_GETCAB macro 126. The M_GETCAB macro 126
is a program that processes the data extracted as a result of the
execution of routines 120-124 described above. The M_GETCAB macro 126 is
written using managed language application 117. The M_GETCAB macro 126
merges the raw data produced in steps 206, 208, and 210 and produces
intermediate files 136 in spreadsheet form. Two intermediate spreadsheet
files are shown in FIGS. 4 and 5.

[0038]Using intermediate files produced from the M_GETCAB macro 126, a
DETCAB workbook comprising a DETCAB worksheet 148, a CABLE CROSS SECTION
worksheet 150, and SUMMARY worksheet 152, is created and stored in data
repository 106 at 218. Sample worksheets 148-152 are shown in FIGS. 8-10.
The DETCAB worksheet of FIG. 8 provides a variety of details for each
working WDM channel, such as Fiber A and Z locations for a cable 902 and
904, cable number 906, fiber identification 908, WDM channel number 910,
a restriction code 912, a status now 914, status pending 916, the date
the fiber was placed in service 918, the SCID 920, among other
information. The restriction code 912 field provides information
concerning any equipment restrictions. For example, a `J` in restrictive
code 912 field indicates that a restriction relates to a jumper. Other
codes available for restrictive code 912 field include `DEF` for
defective, `$` for spare, `W` for work, to name a few.

[0039]SUMMARY worksheets 152 provide a variety of details such as whether
a cable cross section is being used for IOF, SmartRings®,
Lightgates®, Asynchronous Equipment, or Specials. A sample Summary
worksheet is illustrated in FIG. 10.

[0040]CABLE CROSS SECTION worksheets 150 produced from the M_GETCAB macro
126 allow a user to view fiber growth trends, those with a threshold flag
of `Y`, spare/available fibers, not available fibers, and cable status in
order to quickly analyze potential cross sections for exhaust. A sample
cable cross section worksheet is shown in FIG. 9. A user may further use
an autofilter to quickly analyze database problems and update the
database for more accurate future analysis. For example, a filter on
`cable status=PA` and `Wkg Util>0` generally means that the cable
status should be changed to an `IE` since there are fibers working on it.
Also, `not available` percents greater than 25 can be analyzed quickly on
the DETCAB worksheet to determine if there are defective units that need
to be fixed or if there are restrictions that may be inaccurate and may
need to be removed to correctly show either working on spare fibers.

[0041]DETCAB worksheet 148 is used as a database of combined information
by M_GETCAB macro 126 to create SUMMARY and CABLE CROSS SECTION
worksheets described above. These worksheets are used to help in fiber
planning to determine how fast cross sections are filing up. The CABLE
CROSS SECTION worksheet 150 has thresholds built into it to easily filter
the fiber paths that may require rebuilding. SUMMARY worksheets 152
illustrate what types of SCIDs are working on the fiber cross sections.

[0042]Execution of the custom and pre-built queries in the Access®
database also produces summaries and reports, a sample of which is shown
in FIG. 7. FIG. 7 illustrates a THRESHOLD FIBER COMPARISON report
produced by the database management system 102. A THRESHOLD FIBER
COMPARISON REPORT provides information such as the threshold limits for a
given fiber, whether the threshold limits have been exceeded, and a fix
status for the fiber. This information is provided along with the
low/high quantities for a fiber (e.g., the lowest and highest numbers in
the fiber complement), as well as the number of spare fibers. These and
other reports may be stored in summaries/reports database 140 in data
repository 106.

[0043]The DETCAB worksheet 148 is imported to an Access® database (or
similar relational database) of data repository 106 at 220 where custom
and pre-built queries may be used to analyze the data. This information
can be further searched and drilled down for specific information at 222.
For example, a user may place a filter on the SCID in order to view all
the cross sections inventoried in networking application 112 for a given
ring. A user may also, for example, place a custom filter on the type
"T?X" and a filter on the status now ="W" to view all of the Async
systems still in service.

[0044]Other reports generated via step 222 include SPARE FIBERS reports
and SONET SYSTEMS reports as shown generally in FIGS. 12 and 13,
respectively. SPARE FIBERS reports may be generated for a given date and
provide status information on the number of `working`, `spare now`, and
`spare pending` fibers for a location.

[0045]The data used in the DETCAB worksheet of FIG. 8 may be further used
to produce a cable drawing that plots a ring of fiber routes including
electronic equipment. This is accomplished by importing the DETCAB
worksheet 148 to managed language application 117 at step 224. The macro,
M_CBLDRAWING 129 is run on the worksheet data at step 226 and a cable
ring drawing is generated at step 228. A sample cable ring drawing 1000
is shown in FIG. 11. Drawing 1000 includes a ring of nodes 1002 and
passthroughs 1004 interconnected by lines 1006. Nodes 1002 refer to
networking equipment serviced by the enterprise. Passthroughs 1004 refer
to the supporting equipment that receive and transmit signals to and from
nodes 1002. These signals are transmitted via lines 1006 which refer to
fiber cables. Each path used, node, and passthrough has an identifier
(e.g., LSVLKYFC for node 1002a) as shown generally in FIG. 11. This
graphical information may be useful in assisting engineers for future
ring planning or fiber technicians when prioritizing fiber repair work
when fiber cables are cut.

[0046]The raw data extracted from the X02WDMTABLE procedure 124 may be
input to M_FORMATWDM macro 128 at step 230 for producing a WDM Summary
report 154 (steps 232-234). A sample WDM Summary report is shown in FIG.
6. The WDM Summary report includes a listing and quantity of working and
spare channels serviced by the enterprise executing the database
management system 102. Working and spare channels are identified by
descriptors such as WDM A and Z locations, WDM types, system
identification numbers, and state.

[0047]The database management system combines data from disparate systems,
such as networking applications, network planning programs, and localized
district tables, and creates a database of information to help better
forecast and manage fibers, detect routing errors, and resolve issues
concerning inter-office facilities data. Threshold flags are set based
upon available spare and growth rate that are unique to a particular
cross section. The data may be combined with nodes data for generate
graphical information for nodes, passthroughs, and lines for any network
ring.

[0048]As described above, embodiments may be in the form of
computer-implemented processes and apparatuses for practicing those
processes. In exemplary embodiments, the invention is embodied in
computer program code executed by one or more network elements.
Embodiments include computer program code containing instructions
embodied in tangible media, such as floppy diskettes, CD-ROMs, hard
drives, or any other computer-readable storage medium, wherein, when the
computer program code is loaded into and executed by a computer, the
computer becomes an apparatus for practicing the invention. Embodiments
include computer program code, for example, whether stored in a storage
medium, loaded into and/or executed by a computer, or transmitted over
some transmission medium, such as over electrical wiring or cabling,
through fiber optics, or via electromagnetic radiation, wherein, when the
computer program code is loaded into and executed by a computer, the
computer becomes an apparatus for practicing the invention. When
implemented on a general-purpose microprocessor, the computer program
code segments configure the microprocessor to create specific logic
circuits.

[0049]While the invention has been described with reference to exemplary
embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that
various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for
elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In
addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation
or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the
essential scope thereof Therefore, it is intended that the invention not
be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed for carrying out this
invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling
within the scope of the claims.